Poor for:

Beware

You won't get these good results with cheap Intense Pulsed Light devices that do not have a cooled treatment head.

How does laser treatment work?

Lasers and intense pulsed light devices are designed to generate pulses of light (wavelength 480-980nm) that pass through the outer layer of the skin and are absorbed by the red in the underlying blood vessels.

Because these wavelengths of light are also absorbed by brown, any brown structures in the skin, such as flat brown marks, freckles or a suntan are also affected.

Each pulse of light needs to be emitted for just long enough to heat up the unwanted blood vessels without the heat spilling out and damaging the surrounding skin.

Is treatment safe?

Yes. Intense pulsed light devices and lasers are safe if you are treated with a medical grade machine by an experienced and suitably qualified doctor.

Which areas of fine veins respond best?

Veins on the face, the neck and the chest clear by 70% or more after three treatments

The veins on the sides of the nose often need four to five treatments to clear them completely.

Which treatment devices work best?

It does not matter if you are treated with a laser or an intense pulsed light machine (IPL) as long as it is of "medical-quality" and has a cooled treatment head.

In order to be treated effectively, the veins and brown marks need to be heated above the temperature that burns skin. The only way to do this safely is for the laser/IPL to have a cooled treatment head that protects the outer layers of the skin from burning.

Burnt skin can heal to leave permanent scars.

Does the treatment hurt?

Each pulse feels like a flick from a rubber band.

Treatment as the Wessex Skin Clinic will be as comfortable as possible

Our laser has a cooled treatment head

We use anaesthetic cream to numb the skin

We cool the skin with additional ice-cold air during the treatment

How should I prepare for treatment?

The skin must be crystal clear and the epidermis compacted (outer layer of the skin) in order to get the best results and minimise side-effects.

For two weeks before treatment, you must wear a sunscreen during the day and apply a cream containing one of the stronger forms of Vitamin A at night.

What is it like to be treated?

At the Wessex Skin Clinic the treatment will be carried out at a pace that both suits you and allows for a thorough treatment.

Protective goggles are placed over the eyes and a contact gel is applied to the treatment area. Treatment begins with the machine on a low setting and the power is increased as you become confident that you can tolerate the treatment.

How will I look immediately after treatment?

The skin may be red and slightly swollen immediately after treatment. Make-up can be applied immediately after treatment. The reaction settles within a few hours.

Is there any important aftercare?

Moisturise the skin for 48 hours and apply a sunscreen accurately and evenly to the treated areas throughout the treatments and for four months after the last treatment.

How soon after treatment will I notice an improvement?

Within a week of the first treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Most people need three treatments.

How long does treatment last?

Indefinitely, if you look after your skin. If you don't or have a tendency to rosacea, you may need some maintenance treatments.

Are there any side-effects?

Anticipated

Redness - settling within a few hours.

Swelling - occasional and usually mild and lasting a few hours.

Brown marks - turn dark brown and flake off in 5-7 days.

Unanticipated

Small blisters - that heal without leaving marks, if treated correctly.

Scarring - rare when treatment is carried out with medical-grade machines.